Blog

Post-Heart Surgery Infections & Hospital Implications

Posted by on May 28, 2019

The patients who undergo heart surgery are susceptible to a host of complications that can set in during their stay in the hospital. When any of these happen, it can cause enormous problems for the hospital. To keep that from happening, there are a few steps you can take for patients and hospital safety.

Preventing Patient Infections

One of the most-feared complications after heart surgery is an infection setting in. The degree of seriousness can vary greatly, ranging from a small infection that causes discomfort to massive infection that puts the patient's life in danger.

How to Provide Great Care for Your Patients

Posted by on May 21, 2019

The care that you provide to patients goes a long way toward their recovery. Healing isn't just a physical tasks: it's also one that is guided by our emotions and stress levels.

Have a Caring and Professional Staff

There will be many staff members that will come into contact with your patients to provide heart surgery patient care. Each one of those staff members should be well-trained both in their bedside manner and their medical duties. The staff should have a positive attitude that helps patients believe in themselves and their futures. Make sure they know to keep their promises to patients and to stay on top of any problems. Only thorough training can show employees how important these factors are and how much they are stressed in your medical environment.

Heart Hugger Aids Post-Surgical Recovery

Posted by on May 5, 2019

In 1984 when Mr. Glenn Williams was recuperating from cardiovascular bypass surgery, he discovered that the lack of sternum support while recovering caused needless pain while lengthening his time of recovery. Desiring to spare others from a similar experience, he went on to invent the HeartHugger™ Sternum Support harness.

Today, HeartHugger™ is part of the recovery process for CABG, Heart Valve replacement, and Thoracic surgery patients in more than 220 U.S. Hospitals and over 340 heart programs worldwide.

Patient Control

When patients are actively involved in their own medical care, they develop confidence and independence, which enhances their recovery. The sternum support harness offers patients full-time pain management at their fingertips.

Sternotomy and Thoracotomy patients generally have two goals during recovery.

Tips for Your Heart Surgery Patients Recovery

Posted by on April 25, 2019

Heart surgery recovery is not something that happens overnight. It's a process--which means that there are many things your patients need to do (and some things they're not supposed to do). Since all of that information can get a little overwhelming, we've compiled a few quick tips to help your patients remember how to keep their recovery on track.

Safe and Comfortable Recovery

Heart surgery recovery requires much communication--and all the information you give to your patients is going to be crucial information. However, while it's important to explain all the details at first, it can sometimes be helpful to provide patients with "quick tips" later on--essentially, some well-organized and straightforward reminders to help them recall the rest of your instructions. (For example, you might provide a quick review on how to use a wound stability harness.)

Are You at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted by on March 22, 2019

The significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, tobacco use, and obesity, putting nearly half of Americans at risk. Are you or a family member at risk? Here's a look.

High blood pressure

New guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association mean you could be at risk of high blood pressure. Before November 2017, the standard for high blood pressure was a reading of 140/90 or higher. The updated standard defines 130/80 as a cause for concern, making even more Americans at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Tobacco use

Smoking is known to be a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Nicotine use causes high blood pressure, elevated heart rates, and narrowing arteries. E-cigarette use is also considered a risk factor.

4 Healthy Habits to Adopt During American Heart Month

Posted by on February 18, 2019

Since 1964, the month of February has been a time to create awareness about cardiovascular disease. During American Heart Month, Americans take the time to educate themselves about heart disease and promote heart-healthy habits among family members and friends.

5 Tips for Faster Recovery After Heart Surgery

Posted by on January 24, 2019

It's important to be patient during your heart surgery recovery period, allowing yourself ample time to recover. From replenishing your blood supply to regaining your pre-surgery strength and endurance, your body has a big job ahead. Expecting too much too soon can put unnecessary strain on your body and even lengthen your heart surgery recovery period.

Guarding Your Emotional Health After Heart Surgery

Posted by on January 17, 2019

Like many others who've gone through heart surgery, you may experience some feelings of sadness or depression. Your feelings may range from sadness and anger to guilt, loneliness, confusion, or stress. While these feelings are common, it's important to guard your emotional health after surgery.

What to Remember

Your emotional health after surgery can have an impact on your recovery. Feelings of isolation and sadness can also affect your future health.

Here are some signs that it's time to ask for a little help:

Enjoying Exercise After Heart Surgery

Posted by on December 21, 2018

How much and what kind of exercise you can enjoy after heart surgery depends on how you're feeling and what your doctor feels is safe for you. Everyone is different, and the exercise your physician says is okay for you after heart surgery may not be the same as recommendations you've read online or heard from a friend. Here are a few tips for making sure the activities you participate in after heart surgery are safe for you.

A More Successful Recovery After Heart Surgery

Posted by on December 10, 2018

After heart surgery, it's natural to wonder about your post-surgery life. How soon can you expect to feel like yourself again? When will you be able to resume your normal activities? While the answers to these and other questions vary widely between individuals, there are steps patients can take after heart surgery to shorten recovery time and get back to everyday activities.

Improving Your Odds

Here are some steps your doctor may recommend to improve your odds of successful recovery after heart surgery.